amiibo for MOTHER
by: Kody NOKOLO on 2/5/2023
As a part of the marketing for Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U, Nintendo created new collectible figures based on their franchises that can be used through the NFC reader found in the Wii U gamepad, the New Nintendo 3DS, and the Nintendo Switch. These figures are called amiibo. Scanning these figures can unlock bonuses in certain games, which range from new cosmetics to new content.
Two MOTHER series amiibo were created as a part of the Super Smash Bros. line: Ness and Lucas. Ness was released on 5/29/2015 and Lucas was released much later on 1/22/2016 due to his fighter being added after release as DLC.
Both of these releases were unprecedented new merchandise at a time when there had been no merchandise like it for years, and the Lucas amiibo is the only MOTHER 3 merchandise released outside of Japan. These figures can be used in a few games to unlock related cosmetics and abilities.
Super Smash Bros. for 3DS / Wii U and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Lucas and Ness amiibo can be used to fight “Figure Players” that are connected to the respective figure. These players can be named, given specific alternate colors, taught the skills used against them in battle, and given certain items to improve their abilities. In Smash for 3DS / Wii U, Fighter Players can also be given alternate special moves.
Yoshi’s Woolly World
In Yoshi’s Woolly World on the Wii U, scanning a Ness amiibo in the amiibo Hut will unlock a Ness-themed pattern to customize Yoshi. Since the Lucas amiibo was not released before that version, no Lucas costume is available.
On the 3DS rerelease, Poochy & Yoshi’s Wooly World, Lucas was finally given an amiibo Hut pattern, and it can be unlocked if the Lucas amiibo is scanned. The Ness pattern can also still be found on the 3DS.
Super Mario Maker
Ness and Lucas costumes can be instantly unlocked for use with the Mystery Mushroom item in Mario Maker if either of their amiibo are scanned. Each costume has sound effects taken straight from MOTHER 2 and 3 respectively.
Chibi-Robo! Zip Lash
A Chibi-Robo figure doing Ness’ amiibo pose can be unlocked by scanning the Ness amiibo. Since the Lucas amiibo was not released before the game came out, the Lucas amiibo has no function in the game.
Kirby Planet Robobot
Using either Ness or Lucas amiibo in Kirby: Planet Robobot will give Kirby the ESP ability and a healing item.
Miitopia
Using the Ness amiibo in Miitopia will unlock a Ness costume to customize your Miis. The Lucas amiibo does not have a function in either the 3DS or Nintendo Switch versions.
